At an airport, many resources are required due to ongoing construction work and the high material usage in operations. Zurich Airport's goal is to keep products in circulation for as long as possible and to extend their service life through reuse or repair. Furthermore, material cycles can be closed through proper disposal and recycling. With these approaches, the company promotes the circular economy.

Waste of all kinds

On the one hand, Zurich Airport Ltd. procures durable, repairable, and reusable products. On the other hand, raw and recyclable materials such as wood, metal, concrete, paper, cardboard, plastic film, and PET are recycled and can thus remain in the material cycle.

Airport-wide concept

The separation of materials at Zurich Airport is promoted by a comprehensive collection infrastructure and an electronic billing system based on the polluter pays principle. Zurich Airport Ltd. handles waste disposal for most of the on-site businesses. Collection vehicles transport garbage and recyclables directly from the sources to external waste disposal companies. Alternatively, waste is collected at central collection points and then disposed of externally.

Charta for Circular Construction

Construction materials account for by far the largest material flows at Zurich Airport. By joining the "Charta for Circular Construction," Zurich Airport Ltd. is setting an example. The company shares the ambition for a circular real estate industry with other partner organizations to reduce greenhouse gases and conserve raw materials. Recycled concrete, for example, is used for this purpose.

• Charta for Circular Construction